An essay penned by me in honor of my Teacher (and Taigu's Teacher's Teacher), who died this past month. It is about his way of practicing Zen and how he saw Buddhism changing as it came West and into modern times ...

In a series of essays in the coming weeks, I hope to expand on each of these points. I will not assert that all are original ideas to Nishijima alone. There are many other folks these days who share such views to varying degrees. Nonetheless, what was unique about Nishijima Roshi was how thoroughly and energetically he called for a new vision of Zen Buddhism. Suchness transcends time, place and change, while Buddhist Truth is not dependent on outer wrappings. Yet, Buddhist traditions and practices must constantly change as they encounter new times, places and cultures. I believe that these eight changes which Nishijima symbolizes will have lasting effects on the future of Zen in the West; and Treeleaf Sangha, where I am one teacher, is dedicated and committed to their furtherance.

This seems like a very fitting tribute to Nishijima Roshi, Jundo, and a great reminder to those of us following his tradition of the things he stood for and the fact that good teachings and teachers are not so easy to find, even in the home of Zen.

I very much look forward to you expanding on each of those eight points.

Even without the articles, this serves as a handy reminder-list of why this very lineage of Buddhism speaks to me so dearly. A great thanks to Jundo and Taigu for continuing his teachings here at treeleaf.

Gassho,

Dave.

03-09-2014, 04:29 PM

Bobman4671

This should prove to be interesting. Will keep up with this. C:

Gassho
Javier

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

03-09-2014, 10:10 PM

Juki

gassho1

Gassho,
Juki

03-11-2014, 02:18 AM

Risho

Nice! Thank you

Gassho,

Risho

03-11-2014, 12:03 PM

Daitetsu

Really looking forward to this - thank you, Jundo!

Gassho,

Daitetsu

03-13-2014, 09:48 PM

Risho

I just read that again, and really nicely done. I'm looking forward to the future essays.

All I have to say is that "I WANT TO BE A DENTIST!" :)

Gassho,

Risho

03-14-2014, 12:31 PM

KellyRok

Wonderful! I too am looking forward to hearing more. Thank you Jundo!

[gassholook]
Kelly/Jinmei

03-14-2014, 02:38 PM

Kaishin

Many thanks for this, Jundo.

03-19-2014, 04:26 PM

Matt

Having read this article, I have a much deeper appreciation for Nishijima Roshi, our zendo, and its history. Deep bows, Matt J

03-24-2014, 11:44 AM

Ongen

Great to get more background on Nishijima Roshi and our sangha, and looking forward to your future writings, Jundo!

Gassho

Vincent

07-23-2014, 04:42 PM

Hotetsu

Hi all,
I loved the article about Nishijima Roshi and am anxious to read more. The vitriol of some of the commentators after the article link is extremely annoying. It seems to me that some people just can't stand to have their fragile, antiquated dogma shaken by modern reformers. Without Treeleaf, I would never have been able to practice zazen or participate in a sangha. To me, this virtual sangha is just like home. Sorry, I had to vent. I get so angry when people who are obviously ultra-conservative comment on things they feel are "too radical" and are therefore invalid. My two cents is they should sit more, comment less.

There. Feel better now gassho1.

Gassho,
Scott

07-23-2014, 08:02 PM

Jundo

Hi Scott,

Thank you. I have been planning to write more but SweepingZen, where we have a blog, has almost shut down recently. Maybe I will write something soon and just post them here.

I know that those who wish to make a change may sometimes be resisted or called heretical by folks who wish to keep to the old ways. But I believe that there is room for old and for new, suited to different sentient beings. Many good paths for different feet, but one Buddha Mountain.

Gassho, J

08-08-2014, 06:34 PM

Rod

I enjoyed reading this essay and hope you post more. I knew a little about Nishijima from Brad Warner's books—I enjoyed learning more.